Pre-Surgical Instructions

You have just had a consultation for endodontic surgery.  Upon discussion of risks and alternatives, you elected to have an endodontic surgical procedure.  If you have any questions between now and the treatment date, do not hesitate to call or e-mail us. Please read the following information and instructions before your appointment.

Important:  Do not take any aspirin, Advil, Motrin, or Aleve products for at least 7 days prior to surgery. These products may thin your blood and interfere with the surgical treatment. Tylenol is an acceptable alternative if pain medication is necessary.

Plan to take the rest of the day of surgery off. You will need to avoid any heavy lifting, exercise, or excessive talking following surgery. Plan on using an ice pack on and off the surgery area for six hours after leaving the office. Thorough post-treatment instructions will be given orally and in writing.

Eat a light, healthy meal prior to the surgery. You will not feel like eating after the surgery because you will be numb for several hours. Plan on eating soft foods for the rest of the day; however, do not suck through a straw or smoke. The suction created could loosen a suture and stimulate bleeding.

In preparation for the surgery, women should remove makeup from the face and lips to avoid contamination of the surgical site. Men should trim mustaches to the lip.

7 to 14 days after the surgery, you will need to return to the office for removal of sutures and evaluation of healing. Periodic checkups will follow as directed by the doctor.

When deemed necessary, a sample of the irritated tissue surrounding the root may be sent for examination. The laboratory will bill separately for this procedure. Please have the patient and insurance information completed on the enclosed lab form before surgery. Costs vary for this procedure, but the average is $195-295. The results will be sent to this office. We will inform you of the results of the examination upon receipt from the laboratory at you post-op follow up visit.